Pakistan may pull out of Asia Cup after SL, Afghan, Bangladesh reject ‘Hybrid Model’
Host nation Pakistan may withdraw from the Asia Cup in September due to a lack of options after Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan withdrew from their intended “Hybrid Model.”
In accordance with the Hybrid Model put out by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) head Najam Sethi, Pakistan planned to host 3–4 Asia Cup games while the remaining contests involving India might take place at a neutral site.
After India decided against visiting Pakistan due to security reasons, the suggestion was raised. But it is now evident that the BCCI’s campaign to move the event away of Pakistan has received support from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan as well.
Pakistan likely to pull out of Asia Cup
“It is just a formality now that the Asian Cricket Council executive board members meet virtually or a proper meeting is called later this month.
“But the PCB is now aware that Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are not backing their hybrid model proposal for the Asia Cup,” said a well-informed source aware of the developments.
According to the source, Sethi was already in contact with the members of his cricket management committee and the pertinent government authorities to negotiate Pakistan’s position if they were denied the opportunity to host any Asia Cup games at home.
Sethi has consistently stated that Pakistan will not participate in the competition if the event is transferred to a single neutral nation from Pakistan, and the source claimed that PCB is planning to demand a boycott of the Asia Cup.
“Pakistan only has two options. Play the tourney at neutral venue or withdraw,” an Asian Cricket Council (ACC) source said.
“In case Pakistan doesn’t play, it will still be called Asia Cup but broadcaster will renegotiate the deal in absence of Pakistan.”
Pakistan in dismay after three sub-continent cricket boards turn down former’s Asia Cup hybrid model
According to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and India, hosting the Asia Cup in Pakistan and another nation is neither logistically or financially possible. Instead, the Asia Cup should be hosted in Sri Lanka because India is unable to go to Pakistan.
The insider said that it’s possible that the Asia Cup won’t take place at all this year and that India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan may instead compete in a 50-over tournament with other teams before the World Cup.
“There is every possibility the Asia Cup might not be held this year because without Pakistan and India matches the broadcasters are not likely to offer the same amount they were offering to the ACC with Pakistan included,” the source said.
In the window that would remain available if the Asia Cup were to be cancelled, the source continued, India is also getting ready for a four- or five-nation event at home.
It is unclear how the decisions of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka will affect the relationships between these boards.
After the island nation offered to host all of the Asia Cup matches. Pakistan already rejected a proposal to play some ODI matches in Sri Lanka when it travels the nation for a two-Test series.
According to the source, recent events may compel Pakistan to make a choice over sending its squad to India for the World Cup.
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